Giving hope to the needy

John and Margaret Purcell's son Dennis is never far from their thoughts.

When the counsellors lost their 25-year-old son to a mental illness last decade, they decided to fulfil a dream to start a volunteer organisation to help people affected by poverty, mental illness, depression, drug and alcohol addiction and loss by suicide.

Today, treasured memories of their late son inspire them to lead a growing team of volunteers who are making a difference in the lives of more than 60 Illawarra families.

This week the couple acknowledged the 50 volunteers at the launch of a new home for The DENNY Foundation in Warilla.

"We could not do what we do, particularly for those less fortunate than ourselves, without this dedicated team," Mr Purcell said.

"Predominantly we are about youth at risk and young people who are really struggling."

Mr Purcell pointed to a serving SAS commando who recently took a group of young people on a week-long wilderness program in the Blue Mountains.

He also recognised volunteers who helped run a party on Christmas Day for 50 families who had nowhere to go to celebrate and no presents to open.

Other DENNY services include a fleet of StreetBeat vans for street outreach.

"We reach out to street kids, the homeless, mentally ill and people who just want a listening ear."

The Purcells know how important this help is.

The foundation is named after their youngest son Dennis "Denny" Purcell, who took his life after 25 years of battling chronic endogenous depression.

"We don't celebrate Denny's final act, but we do celebrate his lifelong struggle to find an answer for mental illness," Mr Purcell said.

"As a family we were touched by his struggle and we can identify with many who have been down that path."

The Purcells are passionate advocates of a Spectrum Health and Education program run by their daughter Dr Lauren Purcell, which helps those on the autism spectrum, as well as the food program Boost For Families.